Located 70 kilometres south of Madrid, Toledo is a city that has been recognised as a World Heritage site. Positioned 529 metres above sea level, in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula and surrounded by the Tagus River, the city boasts a rich history that reflects its multicultural past, having hosted Christian, Islamic, and Hebrew cultures. This diversity is evident in the city's stunning and diverse architecture. A train ride from the Madrid-Puerta de Atocha station to Toledo takes as little as 32 to 34 minutes.

A day trip from Madrid offers the perfect excuse to step back in time, and few places capture Spain’s medieval legacy quite like Ávila and Salamanca, both proudly listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Your adventure begins in Ávila, a walled city that appears lifted straight from the pages of a history book. Its imposing stone ramparts, punctuated by 88 defensive towers, encircle a beautifully preserved old town. Step inside and you’ll find Romanesque gems such as the Ávila Cathedral, part fortress and part place of worship, as well as the Basilica of San Vicente, famed for its architecture and colourful stonework. Ávila sits just over 100 kilometres from Madrid, and you can easily reach it by train or coach, both options run frequently throughout the day. From Ávila, continue west to the golden-hued city of Salamanca, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities. Its nickname, La Dorada, The Golden City, comes from the glow of its sandstone buildings, especially beautiful at sunset. Wander across the Plaza Mayor, often hailed as Spain’s finest square, then lose yourself among the cloisters, libraries and carvings of the historic university quarter. While Salamanca is delightful by day, it truly comes alive at night, its tapas bars and buzzing student energy make it tempting to extend your stay beyond a day trip.

Parque Juan Carlos I opened at around the same time Madrid was crowned "The European Capital of Culture" in 1992. The park boasts 19 captivating outdoor sculptures, as well as a lake, a river, a greenhouse, an auditorium, and numerous other attractions.

Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral is a Neo-Gothic cathedral built in 1870 on a former monastic site. Legend has it the monastery was established by St Finbarr of Cork, the patron of the city. The grounds' labyrinth offers a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.